WEATHER permitting, Wiveliscombe are expecting a 1,000-plus crowd for their home game against neighbours Wellington on Boxing Day at The Rec (2.15p.m.).

Last season’s derby clash at Wellington ended in a thrilling 14-14 draw before a gate in excess of 2,000.

Normally, the form book goes out of the window, but Wellington have struggled this season in Regional Two South West and are bottom of the table.

Wiveliscombe, on the other hand, are flying high at the top of Counties One Western West, in a division below Wellington, which would make the home side firm favourites to record their second win over their rivals in three Boxing Days.

Last season Wellington had the edge in the scrums but Wivey’s lineouts gave the visitors enough decent possession where both teams were always in with a chance of winning.

Both team’s defences proved difficult to breach with full blooded tackling in abundance.

Wiveliscombe were awarded three penalties in the last ten minutes but all three dropped wide of the target although one was mighty close to putting Wiveliscombe ahead for the third time.

In the end it proved a nervous finish for the home side who could count themselves fortunate not to have lost to their neighbours for the second successive year.

The Wiveliscombe club are also expecting a good sized crowd for the Boxing Day game between the clubs’ 2nd XVs which is set to kick off at 11a.m.

Wiveliscombe were 17-12 winners at the Athletic Ground last year when winger Tom Caughey snapped up a late try to clinch victory.

Both teams play in Counties Three Somerset South following Wiveliscombe’s promotion at the end of last season, and form would suggest Wiveliscombe are favourites to win this encounter too.